Vegas Underground Business Model

At the Vegas Underground we have endeavored to change the assumptions of how a network of churches is to be run. We model the Vegas Underground after the first-century church as depicted in the book of Acts. Our overarching guide and core statement is that Jesus is LORD! Everything we do will adhere to that statement, and if it does not, we won't do it. No exceptions!

Our number one financial goal is for there to be no need among the networked individuals of the microchurches in our local network. To accomplish this goal, we have a multi-pronged approach:

  • We are a part of The Church. We don't need a location(s) because Jesus is with us as we gather (Matthew 18:20).

  • We have no paid clergy. We are all tent makers with the rights and responsibilities that requires.

  • We have no buildings, rent, or mortgages. For those who need a place to do their mission, it will be funded solely by that mission.

  • We have a goal of 5% overhead costs of funds collected.

  • We have a cap of 10% overhead costs of funds collected.

  • We will endeavor to give away 90+% of the funds collected to upstart local missions, local projects, international missions, worthy community partners, and networked individuals (Ephesians 2:10).

  • If the governing body deems a project essential to the Vegas Underground, funds will be raised separately for that project.

  • Every networked individual is accountable to each other with grace-filled accountability (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 5:21).

  • Each microchurch has an Elder(s) who shepherds that microchurch(s). Elders are for operational and spiritual coaching of networked individuals.

  • The Elders are shepherded by the Council of Elders—a group that is accountable to all the Vegas Underground. This group does not participate in the day-to-day operations of the Elders or the Vegas Underground but is available for wisdom, counseling, and coaching of the Elders.

In the opinion of the Vegas Underground, the predominant church business model has declined due to a mix of the following factors:

  • A clergy that is accountable to no one and has a budget of 50+% of funds collected that are funneled to salaries, benefits, and perks.

  • Endless lists of rules, standard operating procedures, corporate institutionalism, inflexible bureaucracies, unbiblical operational priorities, and denominational regulations.

  • Rent, mortgages, and building operating funds that are budgeted at a 40-50% of funds collected rate.

  • Little or no funds are going to the poor outside of the church.